Dog Bite Lawyer in Marin County, CA
​Dog bites are common in the United States, and many communities are searching for ways to reduce them. The alarming point is that approximately 50% of dog bite victims are under the age of 12. Another 10% of dog bite victims are over the age of 70, and 20% of this demographic die as a result of their injuries. After a dog bites, the victim has the obligation to contact a dog bite lawyer and hold the dog’s owner accountable in Marin County.
​Many dog owners latch onto the idea that their dogs would never bite, so they are negligent in their actions when other people are around. For example, some dog owners regularly disobey the leash laws in Marin County, or they fail to remain in the room when a baby or young child is in the presence of a dog. Visitors often arrive at people’s homes, but the homeowners allow their dogs to run free when they are outside. The ASPCA advises that homeowners keep their dogs in the house or behind a fence so that they cannot approach postal workers or delivery people when they show up at the door. By failing to follow the suggestions listed above, homeowners risk a dog bite lawsuit from an unsuspecting visitor.
​Some people believe that they suffered an unprovoked attack, but this may not be the case. Dogs bite for several reasons, such as when they are startled. Even if you unintentionally startle a dog and it bites you, you are still entitled to hire a dog bite attorney from the law offices of the Silverthorne Attorneys to obtain monetary compensation for your injuries.
​In a dog attack lawsuit, your dog attack attorney will seek economic damages for you. These are your medical bills for hospitalizations, treatment for your infected wounds, emergency room care, surgery and medications. If your case is particularly severe, you may need ongoing treatment. This includes long-term rehabilitation and physical therapy. If you are missing work, you can receive lost wages and the amount you lost due to reduced income capacity. You may also receive property damages if the attack resulted in property losses. Non-economic damages include a sum of money for the loss of enjoyment in life, mental and emotional distress, lasting scars and disfigurement, and pain and suffering.
​Sometimes, a dog owner’s behavior is so reckless that the judge wants to increase the damages as punishment. For example, a dog has previously attacked someone, but the dog’s owner allowed it to be off the leash in a public place. In this instance, the judge can award punitive damages. However, punitive damages are rare and require substantial evidence that demonstrates the dog owner’s intentional misconduct. Whatever the case may be, contact us at the law firm of the Silverthorne Attorneys so that we can bring the owner of the dog that bit you to justice.